Academy Playoffs: U-16s mathematically eliminated

FRISCO, Texas -- In a match largely controlled by FC Dallas, the U-16s were undone by a deflected free kick and an untimely counter attack as they lost to CASL Chelsea FC of North Carolina 2-0 on the Complex at FC Dallas Stadium on Wednesday night. The loss mathematically eliminated FCD's chances of advancing to Finals Week next month as CASL now has six points through two games while Dallas has zero with just one match remaining.

The visiting side jumped out to an early lead after FC Dallas defender Vernon Bailey was shown a yellow card for a challenge about 25 yards from goal in the eighth minute. CASL's Evan Deycaza took the ensuing free kick, which deflected off a player in the Dallas wall and into the back of the net.

Goalkeeper Estevan Vasquez kept FC Dallas in the match in the following minutes, with a point-blank save in the 13th and a smart challenge in the 18th as he came off his line to smother the ball off the feet of a breaking Daniel Davis to deny CASL the scoring opportunity.

FC Dallas nearly tied the game in the 34th minute, as forward Erick Chapa did well to dribble the ball down the left flank before sending a threatening cross into the box. Chapa's service found Troy Reeves at the far post, but the midfielder headed the ball just wide of the right post.

In the second half FCD controlled much of the possession, and their best chance came in the 59th minute after some nice buildup led to a header by midfielder Reyes Espino, but the shot went wide for Dallas once again.

Five minutes later CASL capitalized on a counter-attack opportunity and Dakota Brinkman made the most of it as the North Carolina side claimed a 2-0 lead that sealed the victory.

In the U-16s final match of the 2012 Academy Playoffs they'll be playing for pride and third place in the group when they face a Georgia United side that has also lost their first two matches. That match is scheduled to kick off at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 29 on Field 7 on the Complex at FC Dallas Stadium.